From Baramulla to Innovation: How Shakir Ahmad Sheikh Built an AI-Powered Apple Grading System That Inspired a Generation

Published on: November 2025 | Author: Shakir Ahmad Sheikh (also known as Sheikh Shakir)

Baramulla, Jammu & Kashmir — What began as a simple curiosity about how technology could help local farmers has grown into one of India’s most inspiring student-led innovations. Shakir Ahmad Sheikh, a Data Science student, web & app developer, and IoT enthusiast, built an AI-based Apple Grading System that has captured national attention and inspired thousands of young innovators across Kashmir and beyond.

The Idea That Took Root in Baramulla 🍎

While still in school, Shakir noticed how orchardists struggled with manual fruit-grading — a time-consuming process that affected quality and pricing. With support from his mentor Javad Ahmed Dar and teammates Adnan Mushtaq and Furqan Ahmad, he began developing a low-cost, AI-powered system capable of identifying apple quality based on color, size, and surface defects.

The team’s goal was clear: to build an affordable solution for real farmers using locally available hardware like Raspberry Pi and Arduino boards.

From Prototype to National Recognition 🇮🇳

After months of experimentation, training computer-vision models, and calibrating sensors, the project earned recognition at the national level. It was selected among the Top 10 Best Startup Ideas in India at the Youth Ideathon competition, an initiative supported by NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell.

Speaking about the impact, Chaitanya Vishnuvvi from NITI Aayog remarked that Shakir’s project “inspired students and schools across Kashmir to innovate after seeing his success.”

Meeting the Nation’s Leaders

In 2023, during National Technology Week at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Shakir had the honor of meeting Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister for Science & Technology. The innovation also drew praise from the LG Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, who commended the young team for bridging agriculture and artificial intelligence.

Collaboration with Japanese Scientists 🌏

To improve accuracy and automation, Shakir and his team collaborated with international researchers and Nomura scientists (Japan). Together they trained and refined the AI models, introducing advanced pattern-recognition techniques that enhanced fruit-quality classification.

This global exchange underscored the project’s potential to scale beyond India, positioning it as a cost-effective agricultural innovation for developing nations.

Media Coverage & Public Response

The innovation received extensive media coverage across leading national outlets:

Beyond the Prototype: Inspiring Innovation

Following national recognition, Shakir dedicated time to mentoring and training students through his internship at PiJam Foundation, where he taught IoT and technology fundamentals. Many of his trainees went on to design their own smart-agriculture prototypes, continuing the wave of innovation his project started.

He later founded Tiwzz Technology, serving as CTO and leading web, app, and IoT projects for international clients. His mission is simple: “Use data, AI, and affordable hardware to solve real-world problems and empower youth through innovation.”

Looking Ahead 🚀

Today, Shakir Ahmad Sheikh continues his journey as a Data Science student, web/app developer, and IoT innovator, collaborating with partners across industries to bring intelligent solutions to life. His Apple Grading System remains a testament to what determination, mentorship, and community support can achieve — turning a local challenge into a global inspiration.

As Shakir says, “Innovation doesn’t need a big lab — just a big vision.”

Keywords: Shakir Ahmad Sheikh, Sheikh Shakir, Apple Grading System Baramulla, AI Innovation in Kashmir, Data Science Student, IoT Developer, Tiwzz Technology, NITI Aayog, National Technology Week

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